Famous Chinese Shopping City Books

Chang Apana Wikipedia

Chang Apana (1871-1933) was a Chinese-Hawaiian police officer in Honolulu, Hawaii, and inspiration for Charlie Chan.

Chang Apana was born 1871 in Waipio, Oahu. His family moved back to China but Chang returned at the age of ten to live with his uncle. As an adult, he was literate in Hawaiian_language|Hawaiian, and knew English and Chinese as well. In his youth he worked as a cowboy.

In 1898 he joined Honolulu Police Department. Instead of a gun, Apana carried a horsewhip. In his early years he worked against opium smuggling and illegal gambling. Over the years he received number of scars to his face fighting with criminals. He also became famous for his whip, Panama hat and cigars. He was married three times.

After 34 years of service, Apana had to retire in May 1932 as a detective when he was injured in a car accident. He briefly worked as a watchman for the Hawaiian Trust building. He died the next year in December 8 after a long illness. He is buried at the Manoa Chinese cemetery in Honolulu.

Last Modified:   2005-11-07